Electrical signal-transmitter.



No. 769,473. PATENTED SEPT. 6, 1904.

A. G. FERGUSON.

ELECTRICAL SIGNAL TRANSMITTER. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 30. 1904.

WIT/V5 INVENTOR Af/omey PATENTED SEPT. 6, 1904.

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UNITED STATES Patented September 6, 1904.

ARTHUR O. FERGUSON, OF BROOKLYN, NETV YORK.

ELECTRICAL SIGNAL-TRANSMITTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 769,473, dated September 6, 1904,

Application filed January 30, 1904. Serial No. 191,369. (No model.)

To all whmn it ntcty concern.-

Be it known that I, ARTHUR (l FERGUSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Signal-Transmitters, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention is intended for the purpose of transmitting and recording code-signals, the record of such signals being in the form of printed matter, whereby a person skilled in the use of the apparatus may transmit and print the same at the receiving-station by the simple operation of speaking or enunciating said signals into its transmitter. The codesignals maybe either a letter, a word, or a series of letters or words which are pronounceable and which are capable of being used as codes or for the transmission of intelligence by secret letters or combinations of letters constituting words.

It is apparent that by simply increasing or duplicating the essential elements of the apparatus herein shown and described the same may be adopted in the construction of a phone type-writer, especially in cases where the V0- cabulary intended to be used is limited, for instance, to such as is required for commercial or some special business or enterprise,

and therefore I do not restrict my invention to any particular use for which it is or can be adapted by the expected skill of electricians and constructors of type-writer machines.

The invention hasin view for its object means for printing a letter, word, or words to form readable printed matter by speaking the same, and is based upon the principle that as the sound waves of every sound diifer from those of every other sound so the vibrations of a diaphragm differ in character, rate, and amplitude with each sound impinged thereon, and these differences are the means whereby selection of individual printing devices for each sound may be accomplished and then caused to print readabl y the designation of any given sound. By the term designation I mean to name or print what may be For example, if the letter A be vocalized in front of the diaphragm the printing memher to be selected should be a type or other device that will print the letter A. In this sense I deem the letter A to be the designation or name of the sound of that letter, and so with combinations of lettersthat is, words.

My invention consists in the combination of a diaphragm capable of being caused to vibrate by a sound impinged thereon, a printing mechanism, and an intermediary means located in a closed circuit for selecting, through the varied undulations of said circuit, the required member of printing mechanism in accord with the peculiar sound-waves of a sound to be designated by such printing member.

l/Vhile I have shown my invention as applied to code-signal apparatus, it is intended for and in the main adapted to a use of the same in any sort of printing mechanism and in connection with telegraphic instruments linotype, stereotype, matrix making, and other machines for producing printing-surfaces, and I therefore apprehend such and analogous uses as within and covered by. my invention.

Another feature of my invention is the utilization of sound-waves not only as the motive energy for selecting and operating directly or indirectly printing mechanism, but also as a means for indirectly operating or directly causing to be operated mechanical parts of a printing or analogous machine, as, by the example hereinafter set fortb, the spacing devices of a type-writer or other machine similarly operated in regard to a step-by-step feed.

Generally speaking, the mechanism of the invention consists of a code-signal-transmitting device coupled with word-selecting devices, both of which are operated through the medium of the undulations of a closed elec trical circuit, together with electromechanical devices which serve to convert a word or signal into its letters in the regular order of their succession and to operate any suitable elec trically-controlled printing mechanism in such manner as to print said letters in their proper succession and to operate the spacing mech anism of said printing mechanism.

Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter described, and the novel features thereof will be particularly pointed out in the claims.

, Referring to the drawings, Figure l is a plan of an apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic View illustrating the parts, elements, and circuits of the apparatus shown in Fig. l and of an electrical typewriter in suitable operative connection therewith. Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is asection on the line L 4: of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a transverse section on the word-signal-selecting devices shown in plan in Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the spellertl1at is, the mechanism employed for resolving the signal-words into their constituent letters and for operating the spacing mechanism of the electrical type-writer, whereby the latter will separately print the letters so selected and arrange and perform its ordinary spacing function.

Like characters refer to like parts in all the figures of the drawings.

A represents an ordinary Blake transmitter, and B an ordinary voltmeter, galvanometer,

or equivalent device having the needle or traveling pointer B. These two elements are connected in a closed electrical circuit 1, whereby sounds impinged against the diaphragm of the transmitter cause undulations in the current of said circuit which produce a travel of the needle in accordance with the character of the sound-waves of a word spoken into the transmitter.

C is a base having uprights C, in which upon the pivots C an oscillating frame D is located, said frame having word-selecting devices E mounted in it, in this instance four in number. Secured to this frame is an arm F, one end of which carries an adjustable weight F and the other end of which is connected to a dash-pot G.

A reference to Fig. 5 will clearly show the detail construction of the word-selector, which consistsv of a bar E, embracing the frame at opposite ends and secured to the frame D by screws E one at each end of the bar contacting with the frame and having a conductive contact E supported by the bar and insulated therefrom, as at Ff. The bar also carries a pendent pin E supported on a pivot E at one side of the lower end of the contact-plate E Said pin is suspended in the path of the needle B, which in its normal or inactive position is upon the left of the pin, as shown in Fig. 5, so that when the needle is actuated by the undulations of the current produced by the transmitter it takes the course shown by arrow 1 of said figure, swings the needle to the right and passes the same and upon the cessation of said vibration seeks to return to its normal position, as shown by the arrow 2, and forces the pin into contact with the lower end of the plate E thus causing the circuit, which by means now to be described selects and puts into operation the elements of the invention which are employed to resolve a predetermined word spoken into its letters and to cause the printing of such letters in their proper succession. It is understood that the pivot E of the pin E is in a block which is insulated from the plate E so that the electrical circuit of which said plate is a terminal is not closed by a movement of the needle B in the direction of the arrow 1, but is closed in its movement in the opposite direction, and that said pin is not insulated from frame D.

H, Figs. 1 and 4, is a bar which is pivoted in a standard H and carries an armature H cooperating with magnets H the free end of the bar resting upon the frame D at a point in rear of a line passing through its pivots, so that when the magnet H is energized the bar H tilts the frame F, thereby lifting all of the pins E above the path of the needle B, so as to permit of the return of the needle to its normal position for a subsequent operation. The function of the dash-pot G is now performed in that it regulates the return of the frame to its normal position by reason of the slow escape of air from between the two cylinders constituting the pot,.as is usual and well known to ordinary mechanics. An electrical circuit 2 extends to the post 2 and from this to the frame D. On the other side of the battery said current goes to post 2, and from thence to the magnets H and then to the post 2, then to the post 2 as a common return for the pairs of magnets I, hereinafter to be described. A series of circuits extend to these magnets I from the separate contactplates E E, and and E, and are connected by posts to similar circuits 2, 2 2, and 2, which are in turn connected with similar posts of the speller apparatus, as indicated at 2 X, Y, and Z, each of which posts is connected to one of the series of pairs of magnets I, the function of which will now be described.

J represents the letter-selecting elements of what has been designated herein as the spellerf and reference to Fig. 3 will clearly disclose its construction and operation. The magnets I are located beneath the speller J, which in this instance consists ofan arm pivoted upon a cross-shaft mounted in standards J. A counterbalance J is adjustably secured upon the arm, and between its pivot and free end it is connected with a dash-pot G, and at its free end the arm terminates in a wiper J which consists of a strip of flexible material the upper surface of the extreme end of which is preferably insulated, while the opposite surface is conductive. Now it will be seen that when the magnets I are energized the speller J is at its free end lifted,

IIO

and in passing upwardly it mechanically contacts with the series of pins J, projecting through the supporting-plate J each of said pins being connected in a manner to be described with suitable electrically operated printing mechanism in such manner that each of the series of pins J represents a predetermined letter to be printed by the said printing mechanism. The lower pin of each series is electrically connected with the spacing devices of such printing mechanism. The electrical connections of each speller J of the series is shown and may consist of any desired number, as clearly illustrated by the diagram in Fig. 6, wherein a circuit 3 extends from the battery to the pivotal shaft of the speller and from the opposite side of the battery to and through the type'bar-operating devices of the electrical type-writer and from each printing device "thereof, all of which are shown connected at one side to a common line 3 from the battery and extend in the pendent set of supply-lines 3 to each of the pins J of the series in such connection that in a downward movement of the wiper the desired letters constituting a predetermined word will be printed in proper succession, and subsequently the spacing device will'be operated as stated.

In the speller apparatus, as shownin Fig. 1, a portion of the line 3 goes from the shaft or pivot of the speller-arm through the standard J to a post 3 thence to the battery, while the lines 3 go through a series of posts K, each of which is connected with that portion of the electrical type-writer or printing device L, Figs. 2 and 6, which will print each of the letters brought into use by the wiper J 3 of each speller of the series employed.

In order to restate in a general way the operation of the entire apparatus, reference is made to Fig. 2, in which A is the transmitter, B the galvanometer or voltmeter or other similar sensitive device having a needle or other movable part affected by the sound-waves impinged against the diaphragm of the transmitter, in the path of which movable part is an open circuit 2, one terminal of which is the frame D and the other terminal one of a series of codesignal-selecting devices which when closed by the action of the movable part of the galvanometer or other sensitive device B causes the current to pass from the battery and through magnets H and also to one of the series of magnets adapted to operate the speller J which thereupon rises at its free end and in falling when it is in operative position contacts with the successive pins J, closing the circuit 3 and operating the letter-printing devices or printing mechanism employed. Now, taking the series of pins of the speller at the left of Fig. 1 as being connected up to the letters W, H, A, T and assuming that the first code-signal-selecting deviceat nearly the extreme right of the frame Dthat is, the one connected to post 2 -as being intended to reproduce the word what when spoken into the transmitter, then the action of the apparatus is, as heretofore more particularly described, but to be repeated generally, such as to energize the magnets I and to depress the weighted end of the speller J, which causes its wiper to rise above the upper pin J 4 of the series without closing the circuit by reason of the insulating material upon its upper surface and in its downward movement to close the circuit as it contacts with each successive pin and to actuate the printing mechanism to print the letters WV, H, A, T in succession and also to close the circuit to cause the operation of the spacing devices of the printing mechanism and then to rest upon the rod J Figs. 1, 3, and 6, which rod is mounted in insulating material, as shown, whereby the circuit and the speller'when in its normal operating position remains open. This operation is repeated in the use of the remaining spellers of the series, each code-word selector E being adapted to be brought into use by the enunciation of the proper word into the transmitter.

The successful operation of this apparatus depends in part upon the sensitiveness of the needle B of the voltmeter to the variations in the character of the vibrations on the diaphragm of the transmitter and in part upon the distinctness of the enunciation of the words by the user of the apparatus, and this in a measure, but to a smaller extent, as in the use of the phonograph-records produced by that instrument, should be of the greatest perfection possible.

Practical code signals, letters, or combination of letters can be and have been successfully transmitted and recorded by this apparatus with comparatively little practice on the part of the operator. Itis understood, of course, that the length of the electrical connection between the speller and the printing mechanism is in accordance with any distance to which the electrical impulses may be conveyed and that in case of the adoption of the principle of this invention and of the principal mechanical and electrical elements thereof for use in a phone type-writer the distance between the printing mechanism and the remaining portions of the apparatus may be such that all of the principal elements would be embodied in a single apparatus and adapted to be used in lieu of the ordinary type-writer.

In the foregoing description I have employed certain denominating terms or names of certain principal elements of the apparatus described for the purpose of clearness and the avoidance of prolixity. For example, the word-selector and signal-selecting devices are those parts which when put into operation by the vibratory member (the latter being controlled by the vibrations ofthe transmitter) cause that one of a series of spell- ISO ing mechanisms to operate which shall print the signal or word spoken in the transmitter. So, also, by the terms speller, letter-selector, or letter-selecting devices I designate a series of contacts adapted by electrical connection with an electrical printing-machine or an electrical type-writer to cause the printing of a predetermined succession of letters constituting the word orsignal spoken to the transmitter. It is evident that these devicesto wit, the word or signal selecting and spellers or letter-selectorsmay be varied in their particular details of construction without a material departure from the principle of my invention, and for this reason I do not limit it to the exact construction shown and described, but apprehend as included therein any construction within the skill of persons conversant with the art or arts involved. I

What I claim is 1. The combination with a diaphragm and an electrical device having a traveling contact member connected in closed circuit with said diaphragm, of a series of signal-selecting devices one of which is adapted to be actuated by a circuit established by said contact member in accordance with the extent of the travel thereof.

2. The combination with a transmitter and voltmeter connected each to the other in closed circuit, of a series of code-signal-selecting devices arranged in the path of the needle of the voltmeter, and spellers each comprising a movable member and a series of contacts electrically connected with the said signal-selecting devices and constructed and operating to select the letters of said signal-word in their regular order;

3. The combination of a transmitter and a movable member controlled thereby, with a contacting word-selecting device in the path of said member, and with an electrically-connected speller comprising a wiper and contacts constructed and operating to select the letters of said word in their proper succession.

4. The combination of a transmitter and printing devices, of an interposed vibratory member connected with the transmitter in and controlled by the vibratory current of a closed circuit, an intermediary word-selecting device controlled by said vibratory member, and means controlled by the word-selecting device for selecting and printing in their proper succession the letters of said word.

5. The combination with a transmitter and a vibratory electrical device connected therewith in closed circuit, of a series of predetermined word-selecting devices, a series of letter-selectors for said predetermined words connected to the respective word-selecting device of the series, and a printing mechanism operatively connected with said letter-selectors and adapted to print said selected word.

6. The combination with a transmitter and code-word selector in closed circuit with each other, of letter-selecting devices arranged in the order of the letters of a word determined by the action of the selector.

7 The combination of a transmitter, a word-selector in closed circuit therewith, a speller for selecting the letters of said word in proper order, independent electrical connections between said speller, and printing devices for impressing said letters in the order selected, upon a printing-surface.

8. The combination of a transmitter, means for selecting a word, means for selecting the letters of said word in proper order, and means for printing the selected letters, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

9. The combination of a word-selector operable by a transmitter, with means for selecting and printing the letters of a selected word in proper order.

10. The combination of a word-selector op erable by a transmitter, with means for printing a word which comprises electrically-operated printing mechanism, electrical'connections between said printing mechanism and a series of independent terminals each representing a successive letter of said word, and a circuit-closer movable along said terminals to successively contact with each thereof.

11. A means for printing a word and forming a space between printed words which comprises electrically operated letter printing mechanism, electrical connections between said printing mechanism and a series of terminals successively connected to the letters of the said word, a wiping circuit-closer adapted to cause electrical contact with each terminal in its travel in one direction and to be restored without electrical contact with said terminals, and an additional terminal electrically connected with a spacing device.

12. A speller comprising a series of terminals each of which is connected with printing mechanism for printing a specified letter, the series being arranged to produce the letters succeeding each other in a predetermined word, a movable contact adapted to contact with each terminal of'the series successively, an electromagnet for producing the operation of said movable contact and means for restoring said contact without closing circuit with the terminals.

18. A speller comprising a series of terminals each electrically connected to a printing mechanism, said terminals being arranged in an order to print the successive letters of a predetermined word, a movable contact adapted to pass over said terminals in succession and carried by a pivoted arm, a magnet for producing one movement of said contact, and a device such as a dash-pot for regulating the movement of the contact in the opposite direction.

14. In an apparatus of the class described,

traveling circuit-closing member after making circuit-contact therewith. 10

In testimony whereof I atfix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ARTHUR O. FERGUSON.

Witnesses:

ALFRED T. GAGE, CLAUDE GALIHER. 

